What is Qurbani in Islam?

Qurbani (also called Udhiya) is the sacrifice of an animal during the days of Eid ul Adha in remembrance of the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail.

Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by commanding him in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (AS). Both father and son willingly submitted to Allah’s command. Before the sacrifice happened, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram. This showed their complete faith and obedience.

Since then, Muslims perform Qurbani every year during Eid ul Adha to remember this great act of devotion and submission to Allah.

Importance of Qurbani

Qurbani teaches Muslims:

  • Obedience to Allah
  • Sacrifice for the sake of faith
  • Helping the poor and needy
  • Gratitude for Allah’s blessings
  • Compassion and sharing with others

It is not only about slaughtering an animal. The real purpose is sincerity and taqwa (God-consciousness).

Allah says in the Quran:

“Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”

— Surah Al-Hajj (22:37)

When is Qurbani Performed?

Qurbani is performed during Eid ul Adha after the Eid prayer.

The days of Qurbani are:

  • 10th Dhul Hijjah
  • 11th Dhul Hijjah
  • 12th Dhul Hijjah

Some scholars also allow until sunset of the 13th Dhul Hijjah.

Which Animals Can Be Sacrificed?

The following animals are allowed for Qurbani:

  • Goat
  • Sheep
  • Ram
  • Cow
  • Buffalo
  • Camel

Number of Shares

  • One goat or sheep = one person
  • One cow or camel = up to seven people

Conditions for the Animal

The animal should be:

  • Healthy
  • Free from major defects
  • Not blind
  • Not extremely weak
  • Not severely injured
  • Of proper age

Minimum Age

  • Goat: 1 year
  • Sheep/Ram: 6 months if healthy and mature-looking
  • Cow/Buffalo: 2 years
  • Camel: 5 years

How to Perform Qurbani Properly

1. Make the Intention (Niyyah)

The sacrifice should only be for Allah.

2. Treat the Animal Kindly

Islam teaches mercy toward animals.

Do not:

  • Beat the animal
  • Starve the animal
  • Frighten the animal
  • Sharpen the knife in front of the animal

3. Use a Sharp Knife

The knife should be very sharp to reduce suffering.

4. Recite the Name of Allah

Before slaughtering say:

“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”

(In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest)

5. Slaughter Correctly

The throat, windpipe, and blood vessels should be cut quickly and properly according to Islamic rules.

Rules Muslims Should Follow During Qurbani

Important Islamic Guidelines

Qurbani Must Be Done After Eid Prayer

If done before Eid prayer, it does not count as Qurbani.

The Animal Must Belong to You

The animal should be purchased lawfully.

Qurbani Should Be Done Humanely

Islam strictly forbids cruelty to animals.

Do Not Waste Meat

The meat should be distributed properly.

Recommended Distribution

It is Sunnah to divide meat into three parts:

  • One part for family
  • One part for relatives and friends
  • One part for poor people

Who Should Perform Qurbani?

Qurbani is required (or highly emphasized Sunnah according to different scholars) for Muslims who:

  • Are adults
  • Are mentally sound
  • Have enough wealth beyond basic needs

Can Qurbani Be Done in Another Way Instead of Sacrificing an Animal?

This is a very common question.

Is Donation Alone Enough Instead of Animal Sacrifice?

According to the majority of Islamic scholars, simply donating money cannot replace Qurbani if a person is able to perform it.

Qurbani is a specific act of worship connected to sacrificing an animal, just like prayer has specific actions.

So:

  • Giving charity is good
  • Feeding the poor is good
  • Donating money is rewarded

But these do not replace the actual Qurbani sacrifice for those who can afford it.

Can Someone Do Qurbani Online or Through Charity Organizations?

Yes, this is allowed.

Today many trusted Islamic organizations arrange Qurbani on behalf of people in poor countries.

In this case:

  • You pay for the animal
  • The organization performs the sacrifice
  • Meat is distributed to needy families

This still counts as valid Qurbani because an actual animal is sacrificed.

What If Someone Cannot Afford Qurbani?

If a person genuinely cannot afford it, then Qurbani is not required upon them.

Allah does not burden a person beyond their capacity.

Spiritual Message of Qurbani

Qurbani reminds Muslims that true faith means putting Allah above personal desires.

The lesson is not only sacrificing an animal, but sacrificing:

  • Pride
  • Greed
  • Ego
  • Disobedience

A Muslim should try to become closer to Allah through sincerity, prayer, charity, and good character.

Conclusion

Qurbani is one of the most meaningful acts of worship in Islam. It honors the sacrifice and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and teaches Muslims compassion, generosity, and submission to Allah.

The real purpose of Qurbani is not the meat or blood, but the sincerity and taqwa in the heart of the believer.